Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will undertake a visit to Toronto and Nova Scotia focused on getting more investment into Scotland.

The visit will also promote collaboration with universities and academic organisations, and strengthen connections with Nova Scotia’s Gaelic communities.

The Deputy First Minister will engage with institutional investors – such as banks and asset managers – to discuss opportunities in sectors including renewables and clean energy, technology and fintech.

She will also visit the Saltire Foundation Canada which is supporting Scottish connections and investing in the next generation of leaders, and Ontario’s University of Guelph to learn about the Scotland-Canada Academic Partnership which encourages cooperation between scholars and researchers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Canada is Scotland’s ninth most important export market with around £500 million of goods exported there annually. There are 105 Canadian-owned companies in Scotland, employing more than 10,000 people with an annual turnover of around £2.1 billion.

“Scotland and Canada share deep historical connections. More than four million Canadians claim Scottish heritage and Nova Scotia is a home from home for Gaelic,” Forbes said.

“This enduring relationship presents us with opportunities to further benefit our economies, through investment in the energy transition for example, as well as in growing sectors like AI, fintech and life sciences.

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“As the Scottish Government’s Investment Champion, my focus will be on making connections which can bring investment and grow our economy.

“We share a global reputation for educational excellence, which means Scotland and Canada can capitalise on the strengths of our academic institutions, bringing scholars from both countries closer together to share ideas, collaborate and produce impactful research and teaching.

“I also look forward to exploring how we can support more trade missions through the Scottish Government International Trade Partnership, and sharing knowledge with Nova Scotia’s Ministers for energy, Gaelic and economic growth.”